Siren's Song Page 8

  There was a long silence, and no one moved.

  Judah nodded in satisfaction. "Now that we understand each other, you have my word that I'll put her ashore as soon as we are within sight of land."

  Tom felt grudging respect for the captain, who held the men together by sheer will. "Seeing as it's my fault, like you said, Cap'n, that she's on this ship, I wouldn't feel right putting her adrift. It's all right with me if she stays aboard 'til we reach a port."

  Judah nodded, knowing that a revolt had been averted. However, he had a feeling that if he did not get Dominique off his ship, other complications would ensue.

  "Go about your tasks, men," he ordered. "Tonight each of you will have an extra ration of rum."

  In her fevered condition, Dominique became aware of a man with a soft-spoken manner and gentle hands. As the days passed and she grew stronger, she came to know Dr. Ethan Graham. Sometimes when she awoke at night, she would find him sitting at her bedside, his eyes on her face.

  One morning Dominique awoke to find herself alone. Feeling well and rested, she sat up in bed and stretched her arms over her head.

  The door to her cabin swung open, and a man entered, his face easing into a smile when he saw her sitting up.

  "I am glad you are feeling better. In another day or so, you will be your old self again."

  The man was slender, and his dark hair was swept across his wide forehead. His dark eyes were filled with compassion.

  "You are Dr. Graham, are you not?"

  "I am, indeed. And you, Miss Charbonneau, have been a very ill young woman."

  Dominique had to know how much valuable time she had lost. She was no closer to her goal than she had been when she first came aboard the Tempest. "How long have I been ill, Dr. Graham?"

  "Three days. But you were never in danger." He smiled kindly. "However, I must caution you against swimming such long distances. I am amazed that someone as delicate as you would even attempt it."

  Three days, Dominique thought with growing distress. That could be a lifetime for her grandfather, who was so ill. She had to convince the doctor that she was well enough to leave this cabin. Otherwise, how could she hope to win her way into the captain's favor?

  "Dr. Graham, if only I could walk about—I mean outside. I am certain that the sea air would go a long way in speeding my recovery."

  Ethan pulled up a stool and sat beside her. "You may be right. I'll talk to the captain about it. Any decision on that matter must be his."

  She looked into the doctor's clear honest eyes and wondered what he was doing aboard a pirate ship. "Your captain is mean-spirited, and 1 fear he might not allow me any privileges."

  Ethan chuckled and then laughed with abandon. "You may be the first female who ever saw Judah in such an unfavorable light. How amusing."

  "From my own experience with him, I have not found that he cares overmuch for a woman's feelings."

  The doctor became serious, and he was speaking more to himself than to her, although she could not have known that. "You should not judge him too harshly. Judah was once a good and faithful husband. When his wife died, he became a changed man, the one you see today."

  Dominique remembered Colonel Marceau mentioning that Captain Gallant's wife had died, but she could not think of him as a man who would grieve over a woman. She was not certain that the doctor knew him as well as he thought.

  "You defend him, but I wonder if he would thank you. He is, after all, no more than a vicious pirate."

  Suddenly it seemed as if a secretive veil crept into the doctor's eyes and he stood, his demeanor less friendly. "All of us on board the Tempest are no more than vicious pirates. But then you were aware of that fact when you came aboard." He looked weary as he moved to the door. "I will speak to the captain on your behalf. I am certain he will allow you to walk about if you are escorted."

  Dominique felt that she had somehow offended the doctor, and that had not been her intention. "You seem so different from the other men. I cannot believe that you would even condone their actions against humanity."

  Ethan paused at the door and looked back at her. "Are any of us what we seem?" he asked solemnly. "Take you, for instance. You have admitted freely that you worked at the Blue Dog Tavern." His eyes searched her face. "Yet, to look at you, one would hardly associate you with such an occupation."

  Dominique lowered her head so her hair would curtain her face. Once more she was forced to endure the degradation brought on by her lie. She did not want the doctor to think ill of her, but she dared not tell him the truth. No matter how kind he had been to her, he was, after all, the captain's man.

  When she raised her head and looked at Ethan, her eyes were incredibly sad. "We all do what we must, Doctor."

  "You do what you must, and the captain does what he believes is right." His words were spoken kindly and without any intent to chastising her. "You might want to remember that when you judge him, Miss Charbonneau."

  When the doctor departed, Dominique slipped out of bed to find that she was wearing a man's shirt and it came all the way to her knees. She could only suppose the doctor had dressed her while she was ill. Taking the blanket off the bed, she draped it about her shoulders and moved about the cabin, searching for her own garments.

  Someone knocked on the door, and when Dominique opened it, Cornelius entered, carrying what appeared to be a bundle of clothing.

  "The captain has given permission for you to walk about the deck with either myself or Dr. Graham. I foraged through everyone's trunks until I found something suitable. Mayhap the men will be less inclined to take notice of you if you are garbed as a sailor."

  She held up a pair of faded blue pants with white stripes and inspected them carefully. "Surely you cannot expect me to dress in trousers. It would be . .. disgraceful, unseemly— No, I cannot do such a thing!"

  Cornelius looked at her carefully, taking in the embarrassed flush to her cheeks. How could a woman with her jaded past, who made her way by pleasing men, care how she was garbed? He never would understand the workings of a woman's mind.

  "I'm sorry, Ma'am, but the captain's orders are that if you want to walk on deck, you must be inconspicuous."

  "Where is my own clothing?" she asked pointedly.

  "Cook thought he was doing you a good turn when he washed your skirt and blouse. He feels real bad that they just fell into rags." He held up a pair of scuffed brown boots. "Look," he said proudly, "I even managed to find you footwear. These boots once belonged to a cabin boy and they look just about your size."

  Dominique made a quick decision: the only way to reach the captain was to get out of this cabin. And the only way to do that was to dress as he commanded. She sighed. "I do not wish to seem ungracious after all your trouble on my behalf. I shall wear them."

  "Then make yourself ready. I'll return in a bit to escort you on your walk."

  Dominique felt exhilarated as she moved across the deck beside the first mate. Her slender form was artfully concealed beneath the baggy trousers and her hair was stuffed beneath a bright red cap. She did, however, receive some heated glances and snarls of discontent from several of the men, which she chose to ignore.

  "It is such a lovely day," Dominique said, basking in the warm sunlight. "Being island-born and -bred, I love being outside. Unlike most of my friends, I never cared overmuch for sewing and other genteel tasks. I prefer to ride across the plantation—"

  She paused, fearing she might have just given herself away. But when she glanced up at Cornelius to see if had heard her, she was relieved to find his attention was otherwise occupied.

  "You there, mister," the first mate called to one of the crew, "retie that rope and see if you can do it tight this time. You know the captain doesn't allow slovenliness on this ship."

  Cornelius moved away from Dominique to inspect the man's work, so she allowed her attention to stray to the quarterdeck. Yes, the captain was there, still godlike, still observing everything around him. His eyes rested on
her only briefly and then he looked away as if she was beneath his notice.

  At that moment, a sudden gust of wind struck with a force that ripped Dominique's cap from her head and deposited it on the edge of the railing. To her dismay, the cap was just out of reach.

  Hoping no one would take notice, she leaned forward and reached out for her cap. But just when it was within her grasp, her hand slipped on the wet railing. Unable to regain her balance, she plunged forward and then downward into the water below.

  She hit with such a force that it knocked the breath from her and she felt the water close over her head as she plunged deeper and deeper into the salty brine.

  In a panic, she fought and kicked her feet, trying to get to the surface, but she feared that she would never reach it in time. Her trousers and heavy boots were dragging her even further downward.

  Just when she thought her lungs would burst from lack of air, she felt a strong arm go around her and she was swiftly guided upward toward the surface.

  Her first breath of air was painful and she coughed and sputtered, grasping the neck of the man who had rescued her. Her strength ebbed, and she weakly laid her head against her rescuer's shoulder, believing it was Cornelius.

  She tensed when she heard Judah's harsh voice.

  "Miss Charbonneau, are you all right?"

  "I... Yes, I believe so."

  When she looked up at him, she saw the disapproval in his expression.

  "Whatever possessed you to do such a fool thing?" he demanded.

  "My cap," she said, collapsing against him in fatigue. "I lost my cap."

  "A siren right out of Homer's Ulysses," he muttered, reaching for the rope ladder that Cornelius had dropped. He handed her to his first mate when they reached the deck.

  "Cornelius," Judah said harshly, "keep this woman out of trouble and attempt to keep her out of the water. Next time, I'll let her drown."

  "Aye, Captain," the first mate answered, looking Dominique over carefully. "Are you hurt, Ma'am?" he asked, setting her on her feet.

  She only had the strength to shake her head as he led her forward, supporting most of her weight. After a few steps, she collapsed and would have fallen had not Judah reached for her. Since his cabin was the nearest, Judah lifted Dominique into his arms and carried her to the quarterdeck.

  Cornelius raced ahead of him and grabbed a blanket from a chest, which he wrapped about her while Judah gently deposited her on the bed.

  "Go get Ethan. I want him to make certain she has not harmed herself in the fall."

  Dominique opened her eyes to find the captain standing over her, his expression almost soft. "You have not had an easy time of it, have you?"

  For some reason, his kindness brought tears to her eyes, and she was glad her face was wet so he would not know she was crying. "You could do with dry clothing, Captain," was all she could think of to say.

  "So I could," he agreed. He quickly rummaged through a trunk for clothing and boots, then moved to the door, grasping the knob in his hand. "You will remain in my cabin until the doctor says you are steady enough to return to yours."

  She raised up on her elbows, looking at him with concern. "This is your cabin?"

  Guessing that she was suspicious of his motives in bringing her to his quarters, he frowned and turned back to the door. "You need have no fear of me, Miss Charbonneau, I have my duties to perform."

  Dominique could not keep from noticing the way his wet shirt clung to his broad chest, and when she watched him rake a hand through his dark hair, she diverted her eyes, somehow feeling shy. "Captain, thank you for saving me. I would surely have drowned had you not come in after me."

  He looked at her grimly. "You seem to spend a great deal of your time in the sea. A habit I would suggest you rectify."

  Without another word, he swept out of the cabin.

  Dominique rolled her head to the side, looking about the room. This was her opportunity—she was alone in his quarters! Perhaps she would have time to search through the captain's personal papers before anyone came in.

  Much to her dismay, Dr. Graham chose that moment to enter, and after examining her closely, pronounced her none the worse for her dunking.

  She had no choice but to allow him to escort her back to her own cabin, where he urged her to change into dry clothing, then left to make his report to the captain.

  Somehow she must get back into Judah's quarters. She was convinced that she would find the information Colonel Marceau wanted there.

  11

  The days of Dominique's life passed in virtual solitude, bringing her to the painful realization that she had come on a fool's mission. She spent long hours pacing the narrow confines of her cabin, planning how best to approach Captain Gallant. But she never caught more than a glimpse of him in the distance, and it almost seemed as if he was purposely avoiding her.

  She was beginning to despair, fearing that the captain was never going to allow her near him.

  She was permitted only a brief time each morning and evening to stroll about the deck with either Dr. Graham or Cornelius. As the first mate had predicted, she blended in with the crew, and found herself enjoying the freedom her new garb allowed her.

  However, dressed as she was, how would she ever get the captain to look at her as a woman? She had to make herself desirable to him, although such a notion was abhorrent to her.

  Dominique had never liked lies and deceitfulness. But she was caught in a trap and there was no escape. The only way she could gain her brother and grandfather's release was to help her own enemy bring Captain Gallant to justice for his crimes against France.

  * * *

  Dominique picked up the three books that Dr. Graham had brought her. Two of them were in English, and she had already read them each three times. The third book she had pushed aside since it was Homer's works in the original Greek, a language she had no knowledge of. Of course, she had once read a French translation of Homer, so she knew the stories. She reached for the book and noticed that it was beautifully leather-bound, with pages embossed in gold. She was impressed with Ethan's ability to read Greek.

  Absently, she turned to the front of the book and read the personal inscription that had obviously been written by a feminine hand. It was inscribed, not to the doctor, but to Captain Gallant.

  To my dearest husband, Judah, knowing how fond you are of Greek myths, I send this along to you with my love. I pray God will hasten the days so we can soon be together.

  Lovingly, Mary.

  Dominique felt like an eavesdropper as she read the tender sentiment from a wife to her husband. So, the captain not only spoke French, he could read Greek as well. More and more, she was confused because he refused to conform to her vision of him. Who was he— what was he really like?

  She was so caught up in her thoughts that she was totally unaware of the tumult that was taking place aboard the Tempest at that very moment.

  She was almost thrown to the floor when the ship turned sharply and excited voices reached her consciousness. She was alarmed when she heard cannon fire.

  They were under attack!

  She heard Judah give the order to fire a broadside at the French vessel as she sailed boldly within range of the Tempest's guns.

  "Cap'n," the watch called down from his lofty perch, "there'll be another ship off the starboard. She's closing in fast."

  Judah swung around and viewed the second ship through his glass. "Damn," he growled, slamming the eyeglass against his hand and turning to Cornelius. "Curse me for a fool, but I led us into this one. The second enemy ship will overtake us in minutes."

  "What'11 we do, Captain?" his first mate wanted to know.

  Judah took the helm and turned toward the nearest ship, aiming for her bow and attempting to rake her with a hard broadside. Splintering wood and the cries of agony came from the enemy ship, and the Tempest shuddered and groaned, but her timbers held fast.

  The second ship was now within cannon range and was firing at th
e Tempest's riggings. With a loud splintering sound, the riggings and the main mast fell, amid cries of agony from the men crushed beneath them.

  "Prime cannon and look sharp," Judah called loudly. "Hold your fire men— Hold it. Hold it— NOW!"

  Dominique clamped her hands over her ears to mute the deafening sounds. It seemed to her that there was continual bombardment and she was sure they would be sunk.

  Presently Dominique became aware of the injured, and knew she must do something to help. Heedless of any danger to herself, she ripped open her cabin door and ran up the companionway, making her way on deck.

  The sight that met her eyes was horrifying. The deck was littered with debris and men lay bleeding and dying. In shock she watched Tom Beeton ram a rod down the muzzle of a cannon, and then another man load and a third man light and fire it.

  She had no notion how long she stood there. She cried out when Tom fell to the deck, wounded by a sharpshooter's bullet.

  Her eyes went to the other vessel and she saw the French flag waving above its mast. However, she felt no kinship with the men of Napoleon's navy. To her they represented the enemy and Colonel Marceau.

  She could hear Judah's voice calling above the noise. "Continuous firing, men! Keep a steady volley!"

  With an anger that took her by surprise, Dominique ran forward, grabbed up the rammer Tom Beeton had dropped, and performed the motions that she had seen him do before he was cut down.

  She sponged out the muzzle of the cannon, clearing it of hot debris, then the startled seamen loaded, primed, and fired. This was repeated over and over, and Dominique mechanically performed the duty as if she had been born to it. She felt that every shot that came from the cannon was aimed at the heart of Colonel Marceau.

  An acrid pall of smoke lingered in the air and it looked to all concerned that the Tempest would lose this battle. Judah did not notice that Dominique had joined his crew in defending the ship. His only thought was how to outmaneuver the enemy.